Experience, irony, and charisma: Resident Evil Requiem developers explain why they brought back an older Leon

Leon Kennedy remains one of the most recognizable characters in the Resident Evil series, and Capcom has no plans to retire him even decades after his debut. In Resident Evil Requiem, the character returns as a mature adult, and the developers believe this is precisely what makes him particularly compelling.

Producer Akifumi Nakanishi explained that the game needed Leon, now nearly fifty, to contrast with the other main character, Grace. A seasoned veteran with extensive combat experience, he exudes calm, confidence, and a willingness to risk himself for those around him, while maintaining a wry, self-deprecating perspective. Compared to Leon, Grace is the complete opposite—inexperienced, fearful, and constantly doubting, heightening the story's drama.

Leon's age will be reflected not only in his character and dialogue, but also in gameplay. Its action-packed episodes will be reminiscent of Resident Evil 4, while Grace's segments will emphasize survival, anxiety, and a tense atmosphere reminiscent of Resident Evil 2.

Resident Evil Requiem is scheduled for release on February 27, 2026. The game will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch 2.